A DuPage County Judge on Sunday denied pre-trial release for a 19-year-old Chicago man who allegedly robbed another man at gunpoint outside an Elmhurst apartment complex, DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Elmhurst Chief of Police Michael McLean announced.
Bennie Gates, 19 of the 6100 block of S. Loomis, appeared in First Appearance Court on Sunday with one count of Armed Robbery with a Firearm, a Class X Felony, according to a news release.
The release said that around 7:09 a.m. on July 5, Elmhurst police were patrolling the area of Berkely and St. Charles Road and were flagged down by an individual who told the officers he had just been robbed by a man with a gun, later identified as Bennie Gates.
Officers learned that the victim had offered Gates a ride to Elmhurst for $40 after picking him up from the Chicago Greyhound Bus Station, the release said. When the victim dropped Gates off at the Elmhurst Terrace Apartments, Gates allegedly exited the vehicle, walked around to the driver’s side, pulled out a handgun from his waistband, and told the victim, “You didn’t know I had a gun did you?”
Prosecutors allege that he demanded his fare back from the victim and instructed the victim to get his suitcase from the trunk, which he did. Gates then left the area, walking east on Fellows Court, the release said.
While surveilling an apartment where they believed Gates was inside, several hours later an Elmhurst detective observed an Uber arrive at the apartment and what appeared to be a female in a bomber jacket with long hair and a beanie allegedly exited the apartment and got in the Uber, the release said.
The detective followed the Uber and made a traffic stop. During contact with the passenger, the detective identified him as a male wearing a wig, the release said.
The male, later identified as Gates, allegedly ran from the detective, crossing six lanes of traffic, authorities allege. Using a helicopter, K-9 officers, and drones, authorities located and apprehended Gates hiding in a nearby detached garage.
“It is alleged that Mr. Gates robbed at gunpoint an innocent man who had just given him a ride back from Chicago,” Berlin said in the release. “It is further alleged that once Mr. Gates became aware that law enforcement was looking for him, he attempted to flee the scene in an Uber while disguised as a woman. Thanks to the vigilance and outstanding, heads-up work of the Elmhurst Police Department, Mr. Gates’ attempt to disguise himself as a woman did not fool anyone. Thankfully, the victim in this case was not injured.”
McLean said, “This arrest is a testament to the diligence of our police officers, who work tirelessly to protect the community. The fact this individual remained in hiding for approximately ten hours while detectives maintained watch over the search area demonstrates their unwavering commitment to safeguard Elmhurst from dangerous criminal activity. Thank you to the officers involved in this case for their vigilance and our partners in the community who notified police when they saw suspicious activity in their neighborhood.”
Gates’ next court appearance is scheduled for July 29 for arraignment in front of Judge Ann Celine O’Hallaren Walsh, the release said.
